Jerrold N. Oster

Jerrold 'Jerry' N. Oster, age 79 of Watkins, MN passed away Sunday October 15, 2023 at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by his family.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday October 23, 2023 at the Church of St. Anthony in Watkins, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church.

Jerrold (Jerry) Noel Oster, born to Marie Korte Oster and John Oster in St Cloud MN on Christmas Day 1943.  Graduated from Kimball HS in 1961. Entered into the Army Reserve in 1961 and served two stints. ln 1971 he met Debora Thurston and married October 21, 1972 at St. Albert the Great Church in Minneapolis.  They celebrated their 50th in 2022.  He worked for Ertl Hardware as an electrician for 22 years, worked as editor of local newspaper for 15 years, worked at ProWorks in Litchfield, and then at the Hilltop Nursing home.

He was very civic minded person.  He was a member for the Watkins Fire Dept for 12 years, was on the city council for 9 years, and was a board member in the early years of the Hilltop nursing home.  He was one of the original members of the Watkins Theater Group (Cardboard Productions) writing and doing artwork for the Annual Christmas plays.  He was a member of the Watkins Lions Club.  He was proud when he was part of the establishing the City Pool.  He was a proud historian for Watkins.  He did a lot of artwork and signage for the town.  He loved working in his workshop making wood crafts for the family and recently took up the enjoyment of painting on canvas.  He also enjoyed camping and bonfires with the family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Deb; children Teri (Brett) Alsleben and Becky Oster (Craig Kipf); 4 grand children Devin Alsleben, Cale Alsleben, Laura Kipf and Jenifer Kipf; brothers and sisters Ron (Ruth), David (Audrey), Sharon (Ed) Theis, Joyce Howard, and many nephews and nieces; and his dog Skeeter.

He was preceded in death by parents; sister Shelly, brother-in-law Gordie Howard; and his faithful dog Ginger.